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Sebring Home Invasion Robbery

DETECTIVE: DON’T OPEN DOOR TO STRANGERS

By Joe Seelig | Highlands Today

Published: July 23, 2008

SEBRING - Highlands County Sheriff's detectives urged people use caution answering the door as they continued an investigation Wednesday into a home invasion that occurred Sunday night in the 4500 block of Sturgeon Drive, in Sebring.

It was about 11:30 p.m. Sunday when a lone male gunman described as black, short, about 5-feet 4-inches tall, medium build, weighing about 180 pounds, knocked at the victim's door, according to Sheriff's Det. Jamie Davidson.

"The victim went to the door, opened it to greet whoever was at the door and was immediately engaged with an armed suspect," Davidson said.

The suspect wore all black and hid his face with a ski mask, the victim told detectives.

The gunman pushed his way inside and struck the victim in the head with the gun during the struggle. The victim lost consciousness for an unknown amount of time. He was home alone at the time.

When he regained consciousness, he heard a car door close and a car drive off, Davidson said.
"The robber obtained some items from inside the home," Davidson said, trying to be a vague as possible, not wanting to compromise his investigation.

Fortunately, the victim did not require hospitalization, Davidson said.

A sheriff's K-9 unit was deployed but was not successful in tracking the suspect.
Davidson urges people to use caution when answering their doors.

"Please don't just go to the door and open it if you don't know who it is or if you're not expecting anyone, or if it's at an odd time of day," Davidson said. "Use caution and if you're suspicious contact your local law enforcement agency."

He said law enforcement would rather make the trip and have it not be anything, than come after the fact.

Anyone with information is urged to contact sheriff's Det. Jamie Davidson at (863) 402-7200 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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